Sunday, May 30, 2010

Dream Retreats

Summer is just around the corner. In a couple of weeks the kids will be out of school, the days will stretch out long and lazy and I'll be shamelessly wallowing in picnics, beach days and cookouts -- which I need after this past seemingly endless winter.

For all those reasons summer is my favorite time of year, but especially because it's my season to read. No school = more spare time for me = extra hours to read. I can go to the bookstore or the library and not rush to make my selections. I can curl up with a novel and stay curled up. I never have a summer TBR; I constantly demolish it. I'm also in more of a mood to try new-to-me authors and genres I don't read that often.

When and where we read often has a direct effect on how much we enjoy reading. Certainly I'd rather be on a beach watching the waves roll in than sitting in a doctor's waiting room or being twisted into a pretzel by my physical therapist. Most of my time is spent at home, however, so I have reading nooks all around the house. My bathtub (I love to read when I'm soaking), the comfy but not-too-comfy sofa in my office, and a folding chair in the garage are popular reading spots.

My latest and favorite reading retreat is this corner of my back porch. Every morning and afternoon the pup and I are out here hanging out, watching the birds, enjoying the breeze and soaking up the peace and quiet. Since my guy screened in the porch we can be out here whenever we like and not have to worry about bugs and critters interrupting. All I need is to come out here with a cup of tea and my latest read (today it's Chimera by Rob Thurman) and I instantly relax. It's such a great retreat that I often do my editing out here, too.

I'd love to send you all a personal reading retreat, but the shipping would be outrageous (never mind trying to find a box big enough to fit it in.) However, I can send you something to kick off the summer reading season and enjoy: a fully-stocked retreat bag. If you'd like a chance to win this, in comments to this post tell us about your favorite spot to read (or if you're not that picky, just toss your name in the hat by midnight EST on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. I'll draw one name at random from everyone who participates and send the winner my dream retreat bag stocked with:

--Unsigned hardcover copies of A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh, The Endless Forest by Sara Donati and Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

--Unsigned trade paperback copies of The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark and Broken by Shiloh Walker

--Unsigned paperback copies of Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs, The Hellhound King by Lori Devoti, Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione, The Fire King by Marjorie M. Liu, Scarlet by Jordan Summers, Chimera and Trick of the Light by Rob Thurman and Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler

--Signed paperback copies of Shadowlight and Dreamveil by yours truly

--Melissa Etheridge's new album on CD Fearless Love

--A cool blank journal to write in

--The Nature poet magnetic poetry kit to play with

As always, this giveaway is open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.

My favorite spot to read is on the sofa with the dogs (we have 13) curled up around me. When they get to be a little much in the summer, I love to sit on my front porch and read. Sounds like some wonderful books in the tote. Thanks for thinking of us!

I like to curl up in the easy chair in my bedroom. I carry my little betta fish from his usual place on the desk to the book table and read him the good parts (whatever they happen to be) out loud. Big Blue would be especially thrilled to find out more about Quinn, so he's got his fins crossed in hopes that a copy of 'Broken' is headed his way!

My favorite place to read is on the swinging bench in my backyard, curled up on the cushion under a light blanket (which is sometimes needed even through summer in the Pacific Northwest) and a pillow and a glass of lemonade or a cherry-limeade from Sonic. It's been raining too much for me to spend anytime in the yard, however, so lately I curl up in bed after the baby is asleep in his bassinet next to me. I read and listen to his breathing and everything feels right and good in my corner of the world.

I love reading in my room, specifically on my bed. I have a beanbag chair I lean on as I read, so it's almost like the bed is holding me in a comfortable sitting position the entire time. And if I change positions, the beanbag chair makes easy adjustments with me as well.

I love reading out on the lake. If we get lucky we borrow a family pontoon boat and my husband fishes while I read. I also love reading the afternoon away while camping and after hiking. I can never go on vacation without a pile of new books crowding out the supplies.

I don't have a particular reading place where I'm living right now, but when I was in college I used to go down to the university archives on the third basement floor of the library and tuck myself away in a corner. It was so quiet and peaceful down there, and I liked being surrounded by so much knowledge. Plus, something about having such complete privacy in what was actually a public space appealed to me a lot.

My very favorite place to read is the roof garden at my old apartment in Berkeley. The garden is heady with the scent of jasmine, and I can see the Golden Gate Bridge decorating the bay from one direction, and the UC Berkeley clock tower from another.

I'm still seeking my favorite reading spot at my new place, but I don't mind too much because that roof garden is pretty hard to beat.

I love to read under the porch in one of those 'hanging chair'...I absolutely no idea how it's called in English. It looks like that http://yfrog.com/jo1imj It's so comfy! And I'm half in the sun half in the shades...so great to read. This 'chair' is the only place where my back doesn't hurt while reading. I would love to be entered for this dream retreat bag! =)

Please throw my name into the hat. I'll read wherever I can find a quiet place. There are a few authors that I have wanted to try and a few of my already faves. I have Shadowlight and just ordered Dreamveil, but would be honored to have autographed copies too. Thanks for this opportunity. c.

My two favourite reading retreats at home are in the bath and on the hammock in a shady spot out back. I also love to park up on Plymouth Hoe in spring and autumn and read there while strong winds rock the car.

Funny how we have our fav places to read. I like the lounge room if everyone is out, otherwise I have a comfy antique armchair in my bedroom to retreat to. Outside sounds lovely but it's freezing in my country town in Australia at the moment, so close to the wood fire is better :-)

Hi, Lynn! What a wonderful giveaway!!! You, Shiloh Walker, Melissa Etheridge, and lots of good books and treats all together in one package! : )

I am so ready to retreat! My very favorite place to read is curled up on my couch with lots of pillows and an old cotton quilt. With "The Book" that I have been waiting impatiently to read, coffee, chocolate, and cats, I am set. Once I settle in, the cats settle on and around me. I look like a statue in the park with all the birds perched on it! The cats seem to sense that I am ready to retreat, sitting quietly with me until I finish my read. >^..^<

I have a few spots. When the weather is nice, my back porch is perfect and I can keep an eye on my dogs as they chase each other around until they pass out in the grass. In the evenings, just curled up in bed with my netbook and digital copies so I don't have to have a light on and disturb my husband. Sometimes, my overstuffed loveseat is nice too.

My back porch which has been converted into a studio for my husband's video editing work. Dark red walls, sconces with mood lighting, comfy couch. It's great-especially with him in the adjoining room puttering around. Very peaceful feeling.

Many thanks to Shiloh for mentioning YOUR blog in HER blog. I've just added this web site to my Google Reader!

Re this blog: I enjoyed reading about your screened-in porch. How decadent! I would love to read out there! My parents had a porch that had a Dutchman's pipe vine on three sides. People couldn't see in but I could see out, plus it made it cooler in there. I miss it!

Re your question: Anywhere is better than nowhere for reading. I carry a book in my purse to read in long grocery lineups, at doctors' appointments, in the car on long trips (when I'm not driving, of course!), etc. I carry one in my bag to read between games at the gym (as I play badminton 4-5 nights a week). I read at home in bed, on the recliner, on the couch, at the dining room table while eating alone, on the front step, at the back picnic table, on a chair in the garage, etc. Basically, anywhere that I am found is a place where a book (or two) can be found.

Re your dream retreat bag: You are EXTREMELY generous! Wow. If I were to win it, there is no doubt in my mind that my girlfriends would be here in a heartbeat, as we share our books (after we've read them first, of course). I must admit that I am a sucker for a "cool blank journal to write in". Duh! I'm curious about "The Nature poetry kit", though, as I write poems all the time. I started writing limericks in high school (back in the seventies); they were funny and people laughed. Then I didn't write for ages. Five years ago, a good friend turned 45, so I wrote her a serious poem and an outrageous poem. Since then, everyone wants a poem! I wrote a Christmas poem instead of a newsletter a few years ago, said it was too hard so wouldn't do it again, and then over 20 people contacted me to request that I continue, so of course I have. And since that "first" poem 5 years ago, I now write poems for special anniversaries and birthdays for all my friends/relatives too. They want the special ones every year, but I refuse and only do for every fifth year. I know lots of people and there just isn't enough time in the day (nor original words) to write a poem for everybody every year! Bottom line? Thanks for offering a cool giveaway; I'm sure whoever wins it will just love it! You can't go wrong with books -- and so many of them too!

Since I'm in Australia, we are now heading into winter, this past week we've had lots of rain, so I've been in my fave spot - bed. With oodles of pillows, snuggly doona, endless cups of tea & the occasional demanding cat.

My favorite reading spot is a hammock on the side porch. It's not screened in, but the forsythia has grown high enough to shield it from the street. While I read the dog lays in the sun and enjoys the sights and smells. Right now I'm reading Shadowlight. I've just discovered your books, and am loving them.

I read all the time in all kinds of places, including while walking. However, last Saturday when we finally had a sunny warm almost hot day (in Edinburgh these are few and far between), I walked a few minutes up to the edge of the Bruntsfield Links sat on a bench and read. It was nice to look up and see all the people enjoying the day, and see Arthur's seat across the way. This is now my favorite place to read(weather permitting).

I mainly read in bed, but I also like to read on my back patio. We have a really nice furniture set with a huge umbrella. I love to read while the kids play in the hot sun. Last year hubby put fans around the porch so that I don't get to hot.

Ryan wrote: I was wondering if you liked Sci-Fi, and if you had any recommendations?

I don't read SF too often (think once in a blue moon) but I just finished Chimera by Rob Thurman and really enjoyed it.

Also I was wondering how difficult would it be for a Romance novelist to write a Sci-Fi novel?

I can't speak for all the romance novelists out there, but I've written and published 45 romances, historicals, inspirationals, and dark fantasy novels, and fourteen of those were science fiction, so it can be done.

The majority of romance novelists publish what's now being called science fiction romance (SFR), which is basically a standard romance that takes place in some futuristic setting and/or with alien characters, and is marketed to romance readers. This sub-genre tends to sell better than straight SF, so it's a good alternative.

I have a big comfy chair near the heater and a mug of hot ginger tea. Not that it's cold in summer. It's just that for me, it's almost winter (a good reading season too). In summer, it's the same chair, but I keep the room cool instead of warm. (I love my big armchair.)

Great giveaway--I'd love to win. Like you, I have nooks all over my house. Currently, my fave reading spot is on my new loveseat on my newly-screened porch, with my favorite mutt on the ottoman beside me. *sigh* Yay for reading!

My current favorite spot is a super comfy couch in my front room, but my friend is moving in come June, and we are turning a back corner of the house, that we didn't know what else to do with, into a tiny library. We're really excited about it.

I can read almost anywhere. Usually on the couch or in my bed at home, sometimes the cat will curl up beside me or on me. I do a lot of listening to books at work. :) I also read in my car while waiting for someone, at doctor's offices, at the hairstylist, in a lounger outside, and recently in a hotel bar lounge. That one was fun, people would stop by to check out what I was reading. :)

Well, it's coming up to winter here, so the best place to read is the bed. You can't get much more comfy than that and blankets are always a plus! Alternatively, when I'm reading electronic stuff, I sit on "my" chair in the lounge, wrapped in a blankie with the laptop. I started reading David Gemmell's "White Wolf" on thursday.

I used to read on the back deck. I can't read in the tub because for some reason, I turn into a total klutz and keep dropping the books. I can't read on the back deck anymore though. We back up to a nature preserve and this past couple summers, the proliferation of skemeeters and bees has gotten to be just too much. I'm constantly bombarded by one or the other and forget about getting it screened in. That would require input from the DH. *sigh*

So now, I curl up on the couch and hope my family sees the book in my hands and figures out I'm reading so they don't keep interrupting me. 'Hope' being the operative word there.

Anyway, you don't have to put me in. Just wanted to tell you how happy Cole looks waiting for momma.

Lynn, I read in two different places the majority of the time. In bed, with a reading night light, the house is quiet, the cats curled up all around me (I have 7 cats now!) and the sound of the fish tank/water flowing in the background. Or in the back yard. I let my baby (horse), Murphy in with me and watch him graze in between reading. Very peaceful, very relaxing.

At the back of my property, I put a small bridge over a wet spot(only when it rains;otherwise it must be mowed). I put a rescued bright yellow wooden chair there under some old oaks that when I look up it reminds me of Nancy Drew's THE WITCH TREE SYMBOL. It's too far for the house phone and just far enough to get comfortable.The only reason to return to civilization is to use the facilities.

I like riding out after the sun sets, get some grub, and then park under a streetlamp in the woods a few blocks from my house. No distractions and the light goes right through the moon roof so it's not hard to read. I do this every weekend. There's this one song I used to listen to on the way there a few years back (when I was out of the job so I was there every night) that every time I hear it come on the radio I instantly smell french fries and think of Harry Dresden blasting off some magic at some baddies. Hehe.

What a swell list! My new favorite spot to read is a cushy, corduroy-covered, saucer-shaped chair I got at Target.com for our newly cleaned off front porch, formerly recycling graveyard. I am tilted up enough to prop the book on my stomach and still be able to read it and see nothing but leaves and birds out the windows. Ahhhh!

I read just about anywhere but I'm partial to laying on the floor with a big throw pillow or in that little groove on the couch in the sunroom when the kids are out by the pool...you know, where there is still air conditioning but you can see outside.

Both my husband and I spend our evenings sitting here in our recliners, each lost in the worlds of whatever books we're each reading. Very often we can trade those books, read them, and have discussions when we've finished them. I find that pretty special.

I have to say the most comfortable spot for me is of course the bed. Which constitutes having one the cats come in and park on my tummy, or my arm if I'm on my side, with the others somewhere near in touching distance.

Been catching up on some of my reading in the last few days, at least six books this weekend. I got so far behind last year that now trying to catch up is taking sometime, I usually read about 4three to six books a week.

I'd love to throw my name in this. I usually love curling up with a good book on a pile of throw/lounge pillows in my room, or I read in bed just before I go to sleep. I might be old fashioned but with a cup of warm milk, and I keep my bedside table lamp as a good reading light.

Considering I have both kids home for the summer, my favorite reading place is the bath. I make it as hot as I can stand it, close the door and sink in. It's usually the only 20 minutes I get to myself until they go to bed *grins*

My favorite spot to read it lounging in my hammock in the back yard, especially when it's raining. (The hammock is just small enough to fit under the porch overhang if I drag it.) It's quiet and excessively green and the weather in Florida is perfect during most of the year. My second favorite spot is on the couch so I can cuddle with my cats.

Sadly, I don't really have a nice place to read :( I live with my fiance and his parents. I usually wind up sitting at my computer desk. Not very comfortable for the long haul. But one day, the fiance and I will have a lovely house and a library with a nice cozy reading nook :)

My bedroom has become a reading sanctuary for me ... lots of comfy pillows to prop myself (and sometimes a hardcover) up with. I also moved the bed so the window is over my headboard/bookshelf, giving lots of natural light (my mother always said too much reading in the dark would hurt my eyes), although a reading lamp is handy as well. And if I read myself to sleep, my comfy duvet is right there to roll myself into!

I have two spots. My back porch when the weather cooperates so I can see my dog barking at bugs, and my bed wear I can curl up in my incredibly soft comforter and lay down which relieves my joint pain. :)

I like to sit on the couch with feet propped up on the ottoman along with the following: a pillow to support the back of my noggin; to my left, a cup of coffee & pastry within reaching distance; and to my right, my warm but not so fluffy cat dozing against my leg. My favorite reading setting - unfortunately, it doesn't happen too often, but it's great when i get it!

I love to read in the spare bedroom. I have it set up as a semi-library, with my cats' toys and climbing posts set by the window. In the corner i have my recliner, and a small table with a lamp. At night, after work, I'll go in there and just unwind with my favorite book.

Now THAT'S a great pile of loot! I could spend ages reading them. At the moment its winter here in Australia so I can guarantee that most of my reading will be done inside, out of the cold. My usual place for reading is in bed though anyway. (Whats a better place, really?) Other than that, when its sunny, I could be anywhere. Outside on my verandah, in the car (if someone else is driving of course :P), at work on a lunch break... Its endless. Any time I can spare to read, I WILL be reading.

My favorite place to read is the couch in our living room. I prefer to lay sideways with the back of the couch on my left, but since there's no lamp on that side I'm often forced to switch sides when the sun goes down. I'm not that picky and I don't need quiet. The tv is often on when I read, and I can even read in the insanely loud breakroom at work.

Ahh, reading this blog post of yours makes me also feel even more excited of the lazy, warm and summery days to come.

I love reading outside as well. :) It's very calm, plus there's something very peaceful about reading while surrounded by nature.

Lovely giveaway package, and just in time for lazy summer reading! I'd like to be tossed into the hat please. :P Specifically, I love to read, bellyside down, in my backyard right on the grass. Soooo comfy.

I love to lay in my hammock in the back year with a glass of sweet tea nearby reading my book. I also love to read in the bathtub, but lately I've bee mostly buying ebooks and no way is my ereader going near the bath... but if I win this I will have some books to read in the bath! :D

Some of my best reading time is done at work, in the break room on the uncomfortable table we eat at. I can lose myself for fifteen minutes and forget about the stress of a job I'm vastly overqualified for. My other favorite spot--my bed.

Reading just before I go to sleep in bed seems to be my favorite spot. Although two restaurants (that I can't remember the name of) get a tie for 2nd place.Audio books are amazing too, if those count. Listening to Jim Dale reading Harry Potter to me on the way to take algebra at the community college that looks like a prison made my summer.

I'm not able to indulge often enough, but my very fave place to read in the summer is outside, under trees in the mountains. since I don't get there that often, the est substitute is curled up in my bed with music playing.

I'm one of the bed readers, I pile up my pillows and roll as my arms fall asleep. I, of course, can't sleep until I'm finished. It allows for me to squeal into my pillow or pound my fist into the mattress without hurting myself. ^_^

Also, I read Dreamveil last night, when I reached page 45, my 2 year old decided to crawl into my bed and pulled the book from my hands and started spelling out your name and the title. She only know capitals though. So I stopped reading your much anticipated book to help spell out your name 10 times. :D I wanted to weep a little.

I've got this huge lemon tree in my backyard. It's been there longer than I've been alive, and there's this little crook in one of the branches right near the top but just under hte cover of the leaves that, when I was a kid, fit me perfectly. I don't fit into it now, but I still find myself sitting at the base of the tree with my dog, fighting for space with the flowers and reading.

Hi Lynn -- Great giveaway! The only place I’ve time to read, here of late, is at physical therapy while they twist my ankle and hips this way and that. Reminds me a bit of the inquisition chambers, only cleaner. :-) Nina

This is an awesome contest!! My favorite place to read is on a tree-swing in my front yard. It's relaxing to hear the birds chirp and have a cool summer breeze while reading tales from my favorite authors. :)

I like best to read in the computor chair.. a dog nearby, and cats draping themselves all over the other pieces of furniture in the room. I like to read in good company :)

It would be great to win this contest.. for anyone, I'm sure! There are lots of authors here I have just discovered, and quite a few that I hadn't, yet.Now I have your blogsite, and a list of books by you I hadn't even dreamed you had written. Cool!

Holy happy readaholic, Batman. That is one amazing TBR stash. Found my way here via twitter and am I ever glad I did!

I love your fave reading spot and companion. My fave spot is on the deck of the aging family cabin, overlooking the lake, watching the chipmunks skuttle, with a pot of tea on the side and if I know my juniors will keep themselves occupied or asleep for half an hour. Bliss.

My most common favorite place to read is curled up on my bed with my cat. But my very favorite place to read is on the beach during the one week a year my family goes on vacation. In the past I have been known to polish off as many as five decent sized novels during that one week.

Ooohh, what goodies! I love to read in bed, either at the end of the day, or as a stolen hour of peace. I drive a route for work, so sometimes it's just nice to park under a tree with a cup of coffee and read in the comfort of my little car.

Most of the year it's in my bed at night under the down comforter in between taking the sleeping pill and when I fall asleep (can take minutes or all night). But during the summer it's on my screen porch on the double glider in the afternoon... The only distraction is turning on the light when it gets too dark to see.

Um, I guess I like to read where ever I am able. The calmest place nearby is the garage in my car, so sometimes I'll sit in there with the seat pushed back all the way and just read. It's not a very big car, but clean and usually noise-free.

Wow, I am drooling at looking at all those books. I haven't had much time to read considering most of it is spent writing, sleeping or watching the infant. And I haven't really had any extra cash to spend on books anyway...but I would gladly give up my few precious hours of sleep I have to read those books!

My favorite place to read: I love reading in my bed, a coffee shop, a bookstore, outside in a park.

My favourite places to read is by the beach or under some old growth trees (but either of those locations take effort to get to)

At work if i don't have erends to run during lunch hour I have the sun room - it used to be the foyer of an office building but all the staff were moved out of there and consolidated into another building so that it is now the archive building which leaves the foyer with a large window, glass door and pannel, a table and old padded chairs (one for the bum and one for the feet) - bliss (except I have to go back to work too soon)

I'm sad, because I don't have a favorite reading spot. I often read on my couch in the office, but it's not quite what I want. Someday I'd like the closed porch option. I love being outside, but there are a lot of wasps flying around our condo association.

WOW! This is amazingly generous, and I would love to win it. My favoritee place to read right now is on the back deck, when it is warn, sunny, and dry. Otherwise, I curl up on my couch. I really prefer the back porch, despite the mosquitoes.

I will read anywhere but my favorite place to read is in the tub. Its the only place where I can go and not be bothered by who did what to whom and do you know where something or other is.... ( 2 kids and 1 husband)LD

My favorite place: in the bathtub. Nice hot bath, cup of tea or good quality hot cocoa (Ghirardelli's is my favorite), a couple of scented candles burning, and a cat or five asleep on the bathmats and in the sink. Bliss.

I can read anywhere, however as crazy as it sounds, in my car is my favorite place. I typically retreat from the office at lunch with a good book. Makes it all the better on a day when the sun is shining. :-)

Fav spot is outside at the edge of the ginormous backyard of my current rental. There is a backless swinging bench under some trees surrounded by purple flowers so I do get some bee action but as long as I keep my feet up they don't bother me while I read. I usually bring a few pillows out to lean against and then let the breeze rock the bench and I can spend hours out there reading.

In the back room of my house.. pretty close to a den I guess..It's all old knotty pine paneling. I just love the look. I have my computer set up there, so I can sit, put my feet up on the desk and not have to go far to get the phone or anything.. I can get back to reading quicker. :)Thank You for giving us all a chance at a retreat, and Thank You very very much for the Kyn world, can't wait to see what comes next.

A particular squishy sofa in my parents' house that has sunlight for most of the day. I've been away for a long time so I'm very much looking forward to returning and claiming it. Enjoy your reading :)

What a generous offer. I love reading and I love summer, though autumn is my favorite time of year. I have several favorite reading spots in my home - the futon in my loft, the lawn chair beneath the lilac bushes in my back yard.

My favorite place is on our back deck, which faces southwest but is shaded by two large maple trees. When the breeze is just right, I can smell the honeysuckle we planted last fall. I've got a comfy chair AND a chaise lounge out there.

And I'm so jealous that you had Rob Thurman's new book two days before it's supposed to be out. I'm headed to the bookstore tonight to buy that and Dreamveil.